Jewel, Mary Jewel, Judy, Aunt Judy, Mama Jewel, MJ, Mom, Grammy…many names for one woman with so many talents who touched so many lives.

Jewel was born on February 2, 1926 in Lordsburg, New Mexico to Vernon and Bertha Wright. The family headed west when Jewel was a small child, making a home in Yuma, Arizona. Family was always important to Jewel and she grew up surrounded by her parents, sister Dee, and cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who became part of this great extended family.

It was during her early years in Yuma that Jewel blossomed as a gifted musician, becoming accomplished on a host of instruments and distinguishing herself as a remarkable pianist and organist; however, she would not rest on those talents alone, going on to receive her Master’s Degree in Keyboards from the University of Southern California. She was in demand as a performer and accompanist for radio, television, and in live performance, but always saw her music as a ministry, each note speaking more eloquently than words of her personal relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. One of her fondest musical memories was playing “I’d Rather Have Jesus” from George Beverly Shea’s handwritten manuscript the first time he sang the song with the Billy Graham Crusade.

Jewel married Floyd Towner on July 3, 1964. After making their early home in Southern California, they came to Ridgecrest in 1970, staying to raise two daughters, enjoy two grandchildren, and create a loving and happy home.

Throughout her life, Jewel never missed an opportunity for a “teachable moment,” whether the lessons to be imparted were in faith, music, cooking, or life. She was fearless in defending her beliefs, selfless in caring for others, and unyielding in her love for her family.

Jewel is survived by Floyd, her husband of 48 years, daughters Sharon Towner and Janice McGarry, grandchildren Connor and Alexis McGarry, sister Dee Friesen, and niece and nephew Kristy and Doug Friesen.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at Holland and Lyons Mortuary in Ridgecrest, CA. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m.. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S First Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. in the Visitation Room at Johnson’s Mortuary (same location).

Jewel was a breast cancer survivor. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Loma Linda University Medical Center for Breast Cancer Research in honor of Jewel Towner.